One of the problems that all of us face, and which extends to people at the top too, is the constant necessity to become, rather that
just be. A case in point clearly is that of Shah Rukh Khan, who at every juncture tries to be the big B. Whether it is as Don, or
whether it is occupying the hot seat in KBC, one gets the distinct feeling that SRK, after reaching the pinnacle of his career, is now
craving to do something that he has not done before.
But what he and the rest of us must realize is that each one of us is unique, with our individual sets of assets and liabilities. SRK is
what he is today, and is intensely loved and applauded by the audiences in India, for being himself. Whether it is Kuch Kuch Hota
Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna or Don, people love him for being himself. His unique set
of mannerisms, his body language, his looks and his style of talking and delivering dialogues are highly appreciated. Now that he has
occupied the hot seat vacated by a colossus like Amitabh Bachchan in KBC, his job and focus should be on trying to develop his
own style of functioning. His biggest mistake would be to try and ape the big B, in his manner or in his speech.
SRK is a brilliant actor, but even he cannot measure up to the big B. This is not to take away any credit from him, but it is important
to emphasize that the reverse i.e. of the Big B aping SRK would also not look goon on the screen. One gets the distinct feeling that
SRK, at one level, is overawed and overwhelmed by his new role, while one part of his has risen well to the challenge. A couple of
episodes into KBC, and one can already see that whenever SRK is being himself, he is wonderful. Only in those scenes where he
is trying too hard to act and sound like the big B is he looking pathetic. Hence, the message that SRK must take home every night is
"Please be, don't become”.
Dr. P V Vaidyanathan's blog can be accessed at
http://pvvaidyanathan.blogspot.com/
If you have an interesting Bollywood blog to share, do email
us
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein or statements made in the above column are solely those of the blogger, and do not
necessarily reflect the views of IndiaFM. IndiaFM accepts no legal liability or responsibility for any claims made or opinions
expressed herein.